Planning Advisor (Place-making and Development) - Sustainable Places - 19378

2
Yorkshire and the Humber
Leeds
Lateral
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time
Environment & Sustainability, Planning, Policy
£28,785
We’re looking for an enthusiastic person wanting to make a difference to Yorkshire’s environment, working as part of a friendly, supportive team. As a planning advisor you’ll use your knowledge of the planning system to promote sustainable growth, engaging with local planning authorities, planning decision-makers, developers and communities to secure the best possible environmental outcomes.
Your work will involve:

• Managing a case load of planning work including local plan, development management consultations, EIAs, charged for planning advice, co-ordinating our responses in target timescales;
• Influencing customers, proactively engaging and building relationships internally and externally, dealing with site-specific and strategic issues;
• Seeking appropriate positive outcomes across a range of environmental matters including flood risk, groundwater and contaminated land, fisheries, biodiversity and waste.

The successful candidate will be able to develop relationships quickly, have great communication and customer service skills, complemented by awareness of the Government’s growth agenda, relevant planning systems, how the development industry in general operates as well as an understanding of Environment Agency objectives.
You’ll need good organisational skills, and an ability to meet deadlines under competing work pressures.
Our Sustainable Places team manages the Environment Agency’s input into development, growth and planning policy, working with councils, developers and strategic partners. Yorkshire is diverse in terms of environmental issues, creating exciting opportunities and work load challenges. You’ll join a great team of 12 with a range of experience (based in Leeds and York) and you’ll have an interesting and diverse workload with the opportunity to make the most of your skills and abilities.
You will be qualified to at least degree standard (or equivalent) in an environmental subject. Experience in and/or in depth knowledge of town and country planning is expected. Expected skills and experience include:

•Political and commercial awareness of the growth agenda and development industry
•Strong team ethic and ability to work independently.
•Positive enthusiastic attitude with drive to seek new innovative ways of working.
•Excellent time management and organisational skills; the ability to prioritise effectively.
•Strong customer service, communication and relationship building skills – both written and verbal.
•Confident negotiation and influencing skills.
•Excellent problem solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions based on competing or complex factors
•Good understanding of our broad business and environmental activities.

Importantly you'll have an energy and willingness to learn, a real desire to achieve the best environmental outcomes and an ability to get the best out of those we work with.
It is recommended that you submit your application within office hours as technical support is unavailable outside of these hours and we are unable to accept late submissions.

It is intended that this post be based in Leeds but some travel to our York offices and local authority offices may be required.

Interviews: w/c 11th October 2021

Please contact Rachel Jones (Sustainable Places Team Leader) from 13th September 2021 on 0203 025 6701 if you'd like further information or to discuss the role in more detail.

30/09/2021, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Managing the Environment Agency’s Interaction in the Land Use Planning Process
Please note we do not assess CVs. Your answer to the question below will be used for interview selection so be sure to draw out your skills and experience in your response. A copy of our EA capability dictionary can be viewed by searching online using any web browser.

You'll need to have a good understanding of town and country planning and, ideally, knowledge of the Environment Agency's role as a statutory consultation body in the English planning system. Please summarise your experience of working within town and country planning and/or the environmental sector. Please note, this does not have to be related to the Environment Agency.
Influences and Persuades Others
Please note we do not assess CVs. Your answer to the question below will be used for interview selection so be sure to draw out your skills and experience in your response. A copy of our EA capability dictionary can be viewed by searching online using any web browser.

In the role of Planning Advisor you'll need to be able to influence local planning authorities, decision-makers, developers and their consultants to plan and deliver more sustainable development. Please describe a time when you have successfully persuaded a key stakeholder round to your point of view.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Please note we do not assess CVs. Your answer to the question below will be used for interview selection so be sure to draw out your skills and experience in your response. A copy of our EA capability dictionary can be viewed by searching online using any web browser.

As a Planning Advisor you will manage the relationship with several of our Local Planning Authorities and deal with a wide range of customers, with different needs and expectations. Provide an example of when you have helped deliver excellent customer service.
Achieves Results
Please note we do not assess CVs. Your answer to the question below will be used for interview selection so be sure to draw out your skills and experience in your response. A copy of our EA capability dictionary can be viewed by searching online using any web browser.

One element of the Planning Advisor's role is to provide information and responses to consultations within target time frames which are established through legislation. Using an example(s), describe a time when you have been successful in delivering results while managing a very demanding workload with competing work pressures. How did you prioritise and organise tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results?
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.